Versuchen GOLD - Frei

PRIDE & SOY

The Journal

|

May 31, 2025

MALAY-SCOTTISH CHEF JULIE LIN CHATS ABOUT HER FOOD HERITAGE AND THE MISTAKES WE MAKE WITH SOY SAUCE. BY LAUREN TAYLOR

- LAUREN TAYLOR

FOOD is such a huge part of Malaysian identity.

"I would say food is the culture," says chef and author Julie Lin, "it's such a starting point when it comes to everything."

Growing up in Glasgow, with a Scottish father and Malaysian (Malay-Chinese) mother who moved to the UK in the 1970s as a nurse Julie says her mum "couldn't speak the language so would communicate through food she'd always use food as a means to express friendship with people."

Embracing her mixed heritage has been a journey for Julie, who competed on BBC's MasterChef in 2014.

"I've learned to nourish my soul with food and use cooking as a comforting bridge that connects me to my roots," she writes in her debut cookbook, Sama Sama which translates to "same same".

She wanted the book to be based on being Malaysian-Scottish, "and finding authenticity within that sometimes we have very narrow views on what we think of authentic cuisine".

Julie hopes it really "resonates with people who are mixed".

"In my own journey as a mixed-race person, I've found that the meals I create and cherish are much like my identity: a blend of flavours, traditions and stories that refuse to be boxed into a single category but respectfully they honour culture," the 33-year-old writes.

So, if you're new to Malaysian food - what do you need to know?

It's made up of many parts

WEITERE GESCHICHTEN VON The Journal

The Journal

Holiday vibes

Sew a relaxed-fit dress using just your measurements for elegant yet comfortable style

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

Kempton in bid to beat big freeze

KEMPTON'S Lanzarote Hurdle meeting tomorrow must pass a second inspection at 2pm today.

time to read

4 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

Demos after ICE killing

MINNEAPOLIS was on edge after the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer taking part in the US government's latest immigration crackdown.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

The Journal

Baker issues a warning on profit despite growth

NORTH

time to read

3 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

Natural beauty

Vegan skincare and make-up to try this Veganuary, by LARA OWEN

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

Property firm collapsed owing creditors £328k

NORTH East property company Jan Forster Estates collapsed owing creditors more than £328,000 new documents show.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

Miley in frame for makeshift Cup role

EDDIE

time to read

1 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

Lessons to be learned from defeat against Bees

HEAD coach Regis Le Bris admitted Sunderland were second best at Brentford, reflecting on missed opportunities, a decisive penalty moment and the need to accept defeat collectively.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

HEALTHY START

January is the right time for a reset. Nothing extreme, just food to help you feel good. Think fresh flavours, colourful plates and meals as nourishing as they are comforting. Soothing soups, vibrant salads and a spicy curry are on my menu plus, of course, the odd selection box chocolate which needs eating up!

time to read

1 mins

January 09, 2026

The Journal

The Journal

Tesco hits 10-year market share high

AFTER a “strong Christmas” period, Tesco now anticipates its full-year adjusted operating profit will reach the upper end of its £2.9bn to £3.1bn forecast range.

time to read

1 min

January 09, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size